Designed by NC-Office, the Metro Station 20 competition proposal establishes an identity as a market street station connecting the above ground activities with skylights down to platform levels while allowing for concentrated density and a transit oriented development. In this way, nature differs from ‘the tower in the park’ typology. The development of a mid-rise density in between Druzhba1 and Druzhba 2 stitches together the two neighborhoods. The intent of the project is to anchor the station entrances at major pedestrian traffic locations – on the plaza and near the pipeline park. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Parcels are maintained as proposed. The project suggests development of new paths and void spaces within the internal blocks which act as a network across the blocks. These internal spaces would be used as small green pocket gardens, small plazas, and for parking/service of program. Along the boulevard mixed-use (retail/commercial) development is proposed of approximately 5 floors. Smaller internal block streets are lined with residential program. Along the pipeline park, proposed are townhouse residential typologies with stoops activating a new garden path.
The Pipeline Garden is organized with benches and planters allowing landscape to grow. Understanding plants will not grow over the buried pipes we propose a series of planters. Hardscape pattern reinforces the continuity of landscape path. Benches and Planters are patterned as rose petals floating in the garden.
At the surface, skylight pavilions activate the street via the introduction of market stands. The ground floor stone pattern extends the length of street to designate the area of the station. At the ends two plazas define the edges; to the South is a wood pavilion, while the North edge is delineated by a tree garden. The street continues over the station not disrupting the traffic pattern flow; drop off zones are provided on either side of the street. The entrances from the surface are pushed to either side of the street. They unite into a well organized ticket-sales lobby which is defined by translucent glass panels. Stairs and escalators engage a series of skylights connecting earth and sky.
Use of well crafted poured concrete; allows for variety of textures and will enhance the effect of light entering below ground. The site cast concrete will complement the very present pre-cast panels of the surrounding residential buildings. Brick is revealed as concrete walls peel away and connect to lower levels of the platform. The brick texture is reminiscent of geological striations and buried ruins, which in turn allude to the history of Sofia without resorting to mimicry. Benches are strategically positioned to capture mystical light from the sculptural skylights. The skylights at once connect the earth and the sky.
